Cochlear Implant Surgery in India
What is a Cochlear Implant?
The cochlear implant proves highly beneficial for individuals facing hearing difficulties. Distinguished from a hearing aid, this electronic device requires surgical placement and operates in a distinct manner. The cochlear implant, often referred to as a deaf aid, consists of similar components.
The initial phase of the surgical procedure involves implanting the first part of the device into the bone surrounding the temporal bone (ear). This component comprises a receiver-stimulator, which initially receives, decodes, and subsequently transmits an electric signal to the brain.
The second part of the cochlear implant is entirely external and consists of an antenna, receiver or microphone, and a speech processor. The process begins with the reception of sound, followed by the conversion of the sound into an electrical signal, and ultimately transmitting the processed sound to the internal component of the device.
Who Should Consider Cochlear Implants?
Cochlear implants, coupled with intensive post-implantation therapy, benefit individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf, encompassing both adults and children. This comprehensive approach allows younger children, typically between the ages of 2-6 years, to develop language, social skills, and speech. Early implantation proves particularly advantageous for children in acquiring language and speech skills.
Cochlear Implant Procedure
The surgical process commences with a thorough evaluation by an ENT surgeon, an anesthetist, audiologist, and physician. A small incision is made at the back of the ear, through which the surgeon implants the receiver. This receiver is then linked to electrodes, which are surgically inserted inside the cochlea. The entire surgery typically takes 1-2 hours to complete.
Benefits of Cochlear Implants
Post Cochlear Implant
Rehabilitation is a crucial aspect for individuals who have undergone cochlear implants, and it can be provided at the hospital or auditory rehabilitation centers. Patients need to acquire learning and relearning techniques, as hearing through cochlear implants differs significantly from normal hearing or hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sounds for damaged ears, cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve then transmits signals to the brain, where they are recognized as sounds. With time, patients learn to hear and enjoy conversations, environmental sounds, and music.
Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA)
This particular hearing aid is crafted to leverage the body's inherent capacity for sound transmission through bone conduction. The sound processors initially capture the sound, convert them into vibrations, and subsequently transmit them through the skull bone directly to the inner ear.
The Baha (bone conduction implant) proves to be the most effective method of hearing for individuals who are deaf or face challenges with the middle or outer ear. The Baha bone conduction implant can particularly benefit children with :
Invisible Hearing Aids
This discreet hearing aid is designed to fit completely within the ear canal, remaining entirely invisible. Distinguishing itself from other hearing aids, it sits deeper inside the canal and becomes completely concealed when viewed within the Concha (ear bowl).
Cost of Cochlear Implant
The cost of a cochlear implant in India is notably affordable when compared to other regions across the globe.